ANTICHE STRUTTURE PER NUOVI USI (CONDIVISI): "RIEMPIRE SPAZI E TEMPI" PER UNA CONSERVAZIONE INTEGRATA

This paper presents the study carried out in order to restore and revitalize a XV century cloister located in Soragna (Parma). Due to some heavy and destructive modifications occurred in the last century, the building currently lies in a state of dangerous abandonment and requires a prompt intervention. The study has represented an occasion to apply the principles of the “integrated conservation”, as defined in the ‘80s by Roberto di Stefano. Accordingly, the proposed reuse project has primarily focused on the choice of an appropriate new use for the former oratory. Indeed, the restoration of historical buildings requires – beside a throughout historical and structural analysis - an attentive evaluation of the territorial and social circumstances, with the final aim of identifying the needs and ambitions of the local community. In the case of Soragna, the outcome has been the creation of a health facility operating at territorial level. To guarantee maximum flexibility, following a necessary “filling-spaces-and-time” approach, the new service has been integrated with some complementary socially-relevant uses, such as a laboratory of employment-training for autistic people. Choosing a fitting use, both in terms of function and compatibility with the existing structure, configures as the very first step towards a proper conservation of historical heritage. On the other hand, the study of historical documentation has shed light on forgotten information that have turned into design opportunities. The ancient trace of a demolished wing of the complex has become an occasion to build a new portion of the building which, at the same time, meets two different objectives: an efficient functional distribution and the reinforcement of the structure. At the end of this path, in balance between structural strengthening, functional renewal and preservation of built heritage, the monument will increase its cultural and economic value, gaining a new (social) life.